The Woman Who Stole My Life

In her own words, Stella Sweeney is just "an ordinary woman living an ordinary life with her husband and two teenage kids", working for her sister in their neighborhood beauty salon. Then one day she is struck by a serious illness that lands her in the hospital for months.

This Charming Man: A Novel

The lives of four very different women have been shaped - and battered - by one charming man…Ireland's debonair politician Paddy de Courcy - the "John F. Kennedy Jr. of Dublin" - has captured tabloid headlines and the imagination of his country with his charm and charisma. But the crushed hearts he's left behind him reveal more about his character than his winning, vote getting smile. Lola, Grace, Marnie, and Alicia have all suffered from his selfishness and cruelty.

Sushi for Beginners

Lisa Edwards, top London magazine editor, has been fantasizing about promotion to New York. Instead, she's asked to launch a new women's magazine in Dublin. She thinks nothing could be worse - until she meets her new staff. They're friendly, helpful, and enthusiastic - in other words, they wouldn't last two minutes in London!

The Other Side of the Story

Literary agent Jojo Harvey combines Jessica Rabbit's body with a mind like a steel trap. As if watching her back on the corporate ladder and making million-dollar deals wasn't difficult enough, Jojo's having a relationship with her married boss.

The Brightest Star in the Sky

The Brightest Star in the Sky follows seven neighbors whose lives become entangled when a sassy and prescient spirit pays a visit to their Dublin townhouse with the intent of changing at least one of their lives. But what will this metamorphosis be and who will the sprite choose?

My Not So Perfect Life: A Novel

Everywhere Katie Brenner looks, someone else is living the life she longs for, particularly her boss, Demeter Farlowe. Demeter is brilliant and creative, lives with her perfect family in a posh townhouse, and wears the coolest clothes. Katie's life, meanwhile, is a daily struggle - from her dismal rental to her oddball flatmates to the tense office politics she's trying to negotiate. No wonder Katie takes refuge in not-quite-true Instagram posts, especially as she's desperate to make her dad proud.

The Peacock Emporium

The only place Suzanna Peacock finds comfort is her shop, which provides a haven for the misfits in town. But she is forced to confront events of the past and her family that have been haunting her for so long. And she discovers that the key to her happiness may have been in front of her all along....

The One You Really Want

When Nancy discovers that the expensive jewelry her husband's been buying isn't for her, she decamps from the Scottish countryside to her best friend Carmen's posh Chelsea town house to sort things out. Nancy finds herself in a surprising new world, where rock stars are nicer than you thought, social workers are not necessarily to be trusted, and the filthy rich are folks with problems just like you.

I've Got Your Number: A Novel

Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier. She is about to marry her ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her “happily ever after” begins to fall apart. Not only has she lost her engagement ring in a hotel fire drill but in the panic that follows, her phone is stolen. As she paces shakily around the lobby, she spots an abandoned phone in a trash can. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect! Well, perfect except that the phone’s owner, businessman Sam Roxton, doesn’t agree.

The Woman Who Met Her Match: A funny romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud!

What if your first love came back on the scene...30 years later? After yet another disaster, Lorrie is calling time on online dating. She might be single in her 40s, but she's got a good job and wonderful children, and she's happy. This, Lorrie decides, is going to have to be enough. That is until she receives a very unexpected request from France. Antoine Rousseau, who had once turned a lonely French exchange trip into a summer of romance, wants to see her - after 30 years.

The One That Got Away: A Novel

Abbey Lahey is a married, harried working mother of two, struggling to make ends meet in a blue-collar suburb of Philadelphia. When a tumble down a Nordstrom escalator lands her in an alternate reality, Abbey finds herself happily married to the one who got away - a dashing Philly blueblood she met briefly years earlier - and living a Cinderella life of privilege and luxury.

Falling

When Emma Montague left the strict confines of upper-crust British life for New York, she felt sure it would make her happy. Away from her parents and expectations, she felt liberated, throwing herself into Manhattan life replete with a high-paying job, a gorgeous apartment, and a string of successful boyfriends. But the cutthroat world of finance and relentless pursuit of more began to take its toll. This wasn't the life she wanted either.

Wedding Night: A Novel

Lottie just knows that her boyfriend is going to propose during lunch at one of London’s fanciest restaurants. But when his big question involves a trip abroad, not a trip down the aisle, she’s completely crushed. So when Ben, an old flame, calls her out of the blue and reminds Lottie of their pact to get married if they were both still single at 30, she jumps at the chance. No formal dates - just a quick march to the altar and a honeymoon on Ikonos, the sun-drenched Greek island where they first met years ago. Their family and friends are horrified. Fliss, Lottie’s older sister, knows that Lottie can be impulsive - but surely this is her worst decision yet.

Truly Madly Guilty

In Truly Madly Guilty, Liane Moriarty takes on the foundations of our lives: marriage, sex, parenthood, and friendship. She shows how guilt can expose the fault lines in the most seemingly strong relationships, how what we don't say can be more powerful than what we do, and how sometimes it is the most innocent of moments that can do the greatest harm.

The Little French Guesthouse: La Cour des Roses, Book 1

When Emmy Jamieson arrives at La Cour des Roses, a beautiful guesthouse in the French countryside, she can't wait to spend two weeks relaxing with boyfriend Nathan. Their relationship needs a little TLC, and Emmy is certain this holiday will do the trick. But they've barely unpacked before he scarpers with Gloria, the guesthouse owner's cougar wife. Rupert, the ailing guesthouse owner, is shell-shocked. Feeling somewhat responsible - and rather generous after a bottle (or so) of wine - heartbroken Emmy offers to help.

A Parcel for Anna Browne

The gift of a lifetime? Anna Browne is an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. Her day job as a receptionist in bustling London isn't exactly her dream, yet she has everything she wants. But someone thinks Anna Browne deserves more.... A parcel addressed to Anna Browne arrives. She has no idea who has sent it. Inside she finds a beautiful gift - one that is designed to be seen.

Twenties Girl

When the spirit of Lara's great-aunt Sadie - a feisty, demanding girl with firm ideas about fashion, love, and the right way to dance - mysteriously appears, she has one last request: Lara must find a missing necklace that had been in Sadie's possession for more than 75 years, and Sadie cannot rest without it. Lara, on the other hand, has a number of ongoing distractions.

The Sunshine Sisters

Ronni Sunshine left London for Hollywood to become a beautiful, charismatic star of the silver screen. But at home she was a narcissistic, disinterested mother who alienated her three daughters. As soon as possible, tomboy Nell fled her mother's overbearing presence to work on a farm and find her own way in the world as a single mother. The target of her mother's criticism, Meredith never felt good enough, thin enough, pretty enough. Her life took her to London - and into the arms of a man whom she may not even love.

Under the Duvet

High heels, movie deals, wagon wheels, shoes, reviews, having the blues, builders, babies, families and other calamities.... Many think that Marian Keyes leads a glitzy life of limos, television, and showbiz parties - but she would argue that she spends the majority of her life writing alone, wearing her PJs, and eating bananas with a laptop on a pillow in front of her. Under the Duvet is a wide collection of her journalism and stories - all personal, closely observed, and painfully funny.

The Cafe by the Sea: A Novel

Years ago Flora fled the quiet Scottish island where she grew up - and she hasn't looked back. What would she have done on Mure? It's a place where everyone has known her all her life, where no one will let her forget the past. In bright, bustling London, she can be anonymous, ambitious...and hopelessly in love with her boss. But when fate brings Flora back to the island, she's suddenly swept once more into life with her brothers - all strapping, loud, and seemingly incapable of basic housework - and her father.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Sophie Kinsella's debut is a romp through the perils of shopping and spending, spending, spending! Becky can't resist a sale, and she's only a little overdrawn on her VISA. Readers will laugh aloud at Becky's retail adventures as she finds new and creative ways to relieve her increasingly credit card debt. Emily Gray's narration bounces along with Becky and her buying whims, while delivering a humorous account of what happens when credit goes bad.

Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay

A brief encounter that could have become so much more...if only everything were different. Step-sisters, bitter rivals in every area except one - by unbreakable pact neither will ever steal a man from the other. A love triangle that starts out as a mess of secrets and mix-ups, and only gets worse from there. Plus - friendship, family ties, crossed wires and self-discovery, second chances and first impressions. Welcome to Jill Mansell's blustery seaside world. Once you step inside, you'll never want to leave!

Here's Looking at You

The new novel from the bestselling author of You Had Me At Hello. Anna Alessi - history expert, possessor of a lot of hair and an occasionally filthy mouth - seeks nice man for intelligent conversation and Mills & Boon moments. Despite the oddballs that keep turning up on her dates, Anna couldn't be happier. As a 30-something with a job she loves, life has turned out better than she dared dream.

Publisher's Summary

The unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Marian Keye’s heartbreaking stunner of a novel, The Mystery of Mercy Close, read by the actress Niamh Daly.

“I employ this thing called The Shovel List.” “A shovel...?” “No. A Shovel List. It’s more of a conceptual thing. It’s a list of all the people and things I hate so much that I want to hit them in the face with a shovel.”

Meet Helen - youngest of the Walsh sisters and a law unto herself. She’s easily bored, has an inability to filter her thoughts and was fired from every job she ever had before she found her true calling as a private investigator. But times are tough for PIs, and Helen’s had no choice but to take on the search for AWOL boyband has-been Wayne Diffney: The Wacky One. It’s not all bad this game of Where’s Wayne.

It may have brought her charming crook of an ex Jay Parker back into her life, but it’s giving her an excuse to avoid the usual Walsh family dramas and the intense looks from her gorgeous boyfriend Artie that make her heart beat wildly with lust and panic in equal measure. But most of all it’s an excellent distraction from the huge swarm of black vultures gathering over her head. If she hides out in her target’s empty house on Mercy Close for long enough maybe they’ll go away...But as Helen begins to unravel the mysteries secreted on Mercy Close she discovers a kindred spirit in a man unwilling to be found. Could someone be telling her to look a little closer to home?

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

out of everything she's written, this flops (sorry Marian)

What was most disappointing about Marian Keyes’s story?

I know Marian has suffered major depression, I have too ... I empathise. But your fans have a certain level of fun, excitement + a smidge of naughty/dodgy behaviour of your characters to keep your fans amused.<br/><br/>But for the author to use the key protaganist, Helen, one of the Walsh sisters to go through severe depression and what she did, experienced etc. I felt Marian Keyes was using this character as a cathartic to go through her own experiences and issues.<br/><br/>Fair enough for her. But not for her readers/listeners .. we want to be enterained and pay to read/listen, and not feel we're sharing the same kind of mental overhaul she went through, and then she got paid tons of bucks to write this book.<br/><br/>If she wasnt a bestselling author, and sent this book to every publisher in the world, it wouldnt have been published by anyone. <br/><br/>Sorry, Marian, but its true, and deepdown you know this. You cant's turn out this kind of pap, when your fans have devoured your last 8 books with glee.

Which character – as performed by Niamh Daly – was your favorite?

the key character - Helen, Niamh was exciting and kept me listening, through a very predictable plod of a tale. It's not the narrater's fault that she had a bad read to narrate. Without her, I would've let it go and just skipped to the end within the 1st hour.

Could you see The Mystery of Mercy Close being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

Any additional comments?

I know Marian has suffered major depression, I empathise. But your fans have a certain level of fun, excitement + a smidge of naughty/dodgy behaviour of your characters to keep your fans amused.<br/><br/>But for the author to use the key protaganist, Helen, one of the Walsh sisters to go through severe depression and what she did, experienced etc. I felt Marian Keyes was using this character as a cathartic to go through her own experiences and issues.<br/><br/>Fair enough for her. But not for her readers/listeners .. we want to be enterained and pay to read/listen, and not feel we're sharing the same kind of mental overhaul she went through, and then she got paid tons of bucks to write this book.<br/><br/>If she wasnt a bestselling author, and sent this book to every publisher in the world, it wouldnt have been published by anyone. <br/><br/>Sorry, Marian, but its true, and deepdown you know this. You cant's turn out this kind of pap, when your fans have devoured your last 8 books with glee.

The mystery part is good, you won't be able to decipher until almost the end, just a little bit ahead of the protagonist and then revising the clues said "of course!" but that is the fun, right ?

The depression... I believe it is done in order to illustrate how a person suffering from endogenous depression feels and her interaction with the rest of the world: family, friends, job,etc. And I think M.Keyes does a good job, The symptoms, failures and / or successes of the treatment are textbook. Reminded me of some of J. Picoult's novels (house rules, my sister keeper, handle with care etc.)

So, to me the achievement of this listen is that going thru this little mystery the listener learns the suffering of a person with e. depression and by knowing and understanding this terrible disease one becomes more respectful and compassionate towards these patients, at least that is what I believe.

Also I should point out that it is a shock this dark version of M.Keyes. there is this black humor and kind of bitter wit towards the world as it is now (mostly the economy). But again it is the color of the glass through which the protagonist watches said world.

I am not a big fan of Helen Walsh but I had to respect the lady. She had her quirks for sure but managed to get the job done. I was particularly impressed with Marian Keyes' descriptions of depression and what it feels like to be in the throes of an illness that you can't seem to get a handle on. The inability to escape your own brain, is truly terrifying - truly - and as such resulting suicide attempts are not the result of any rational thought, simply a means to an end for true sufferers of depression or manic-depression.

Hats off to Marian Keyes for her unique glimpse into mental illness and her ability to convey that it is not a weakness of character but an ailment unto its own. Helen Walsh is no lightweight, she is a strong, confident woman.

The story of the band, well, I wasn't really into it but the rest kept me going. I really like this narrator too.

Very well narrated, this novel gives a chilling insight into depression, and how the Irish experienced their fall from grace. While the plot was a little light, the narrative and wit, and the downward spiral of the heroine more than made up for it and perhaps that is ok. I loved the ending, and it wasn't that predictable after all! We are reminded that happiness it not a permanent state even if you don't suffer from depression.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was time spent - I'm glad I have listened to it, however, it took a while to really get into and I had to focus on listening which was unfortunate.

If you’ve listened to books by Marian Keyes before, how does this one compare?

I really enjoy listening to Marian Keyes books, but I was not 100% sure I truly enjoyed this book. It was a distraction rather then something I really wanted to listen to.

Which character – as performed by Niamh Daly – was your favourite?

The main Character

Did The Mystery of Mercy Close inspire you to do anything?

No not really.

Any additional comments?

If you are comparing this and another book, take the other book,

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

London, United Kingdom

9/28/12

Overall

"The mystery of mercy close"

I have just started this book and to be honest I'd rather have a tooth pulled. I have read all of M Keyes books loved them all!!! This novel is really hard work I'm not sure if it's the narrator her voice is awful highly irritating. Her depiction of the characters are flat boring and the male characters sound very similar.

I've given it one star as I said it's a struggle to press play to listen to a lifeless story. Maybe if I was reading this myself the characters would jump off the page as with her other novels. Listen to sample before you buy I say.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

Dundee, United Kingdom

1/29/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Another Walsh sister!"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, because although Marian Keyes has now written about every single Walsh sister, this is another funny story from one of my favourite authors. I suppose it is chick lit but it feels a bit more real and I love the Irish accents.

What other book might you compare The Mystery of Mercy Close to, and why?

It compares well to all the other Walsh sister books in that it is up to the same standard as those.

What does Niamh Daly bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Niamh brings the story to life. Excellent characterisation.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed a lot, sometimes out loud which did draw some glances on the street!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

stella

Nottingham, United Kingdom

4/13/13

Overall

"What an eye opener"

Quite an intriguing read, some dark places visited. Made me read more about mariane Keyes, and realised that she was writing from her own experiences. This made it all the more interesting. Amazing scarf reference/rant, and I agree...... You can NEVER have too many scarves!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Jane

Zug, Switzerland

3/10/13

Overall

"The only thing that has ever got me running!"

I have been trying to run for about 20 years. I've never succeeded, until I downloaded Helen Walsh's story. Hard though it was, I only allowed myself to listen to it whilst I was running...

I've just finished the book able to run for 30 minutes and I am eternally grateful to Marian Keyes (and Helen)

To be fair, I do enjoy Marian Keyes, and have loved each and every one of the Walsh sisters stories (I'm gutted that Helen was the last one to be told)

I found the pace of the story, and the narration just right to keep me engaged.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Ann D

Newcastle, England

4/6/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Enjoyable!"

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes probably, but too long for me to do that.

Any additional comments?

This was a good pacey read/listen. Intelligently written, with characters that really came to life. I loved Helen. In all, it made me want to listen to/read more of Marian Keyes books.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Ms

Harwich, United Kingdom

7/31/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Hilarious"

What did you like most about The Mystery of Mercy Close?

It was funny but dealt with a serious issue in a sensitive but factual way<br/>I thought Mammy Welsh was as funny as ever; some parts made me cry with laughter and one with sadness.<br/>A great read/listen - would recommend

What did you like best about this story?

All of it - hugely entertaining

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When we had to deal with the main characters severe depression and her almost indifference to dealing with her condition in any other way but following it through to the end in her own way

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Avid Rieder

Worcestershire, England

7/21/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Mystery of Mercy Close - maybe just a bit too long"

Is there anything you would change about this book?

What started out as a very promising story and told really well was just a bit too drawn out for my liking. Just as you thought the mystery was going to be solved, the story reverted to the main character (the Private Detective) and took a while to get going again.

Would you be willing to try another book from Marian Keyes? Why or why not?

Will definitely try another Marian Keyes as I have enjoyed several of her other books.

What three words best describe Niamh Daly’s performance?

Very fitting for this book. The way she excitedly told the detective story then switched to a more fitting style to deal with depression was well executed.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Sue

Walton on the Naze, United Kingdom

6/29/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Storyline a bit weak"

Took a while to get into this story, almost abandoned it at one point. Carried on and became more enjoyable. The Irish humour kept me gong.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Tracy

London

12/14/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Fabulous Story"

What a great book i couldn't wait to have five minutes to turn on. the narrator was a pleasure to listen to

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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